Crystal Palace V Peterborough at Selhurst Park : Match Preview

03 May 2013 01:02

Crystal Palace will check on Owen Garvan ahead of the visit of Peterborough.

Midfielder Garvan started his first game in four months at Millwall on Tuesday night following a knee injury and boss Ian Holloway wants to be certain he can cope with a second match in five days.

Jonny Williams, who has also recently shaken off a knee injury, could come in for Garvan if he is not passed fit.

Otherwise Holloway may stick with the side which battled to a goalless draw at The Den, knowing the same result will guarantee them a play-off spot.

Centre-half Paddy McCarthy is still out with a groin problem and full-back Jonathan Parr is also on the sidelines due to ankle ligament damage.

Mark Little and Danny Swanson are expected to return from injury to give Peterborough a fully-fit squad.

Little suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury in the build-up to last Saturday's visit of Sheffield Wednesday but the right-back's fitness has improved this week.

Midfielder Swanson also missed the Owls match because of a knee problem.

His return would not necessarily be at the expense of teenager Shaquille McDonald, who was a surprise inclusion on the bench last weekend.

"Shaq was outstanding in training last week and he deserved his chance. I'd have no hesitation in picking him again," Posh boss Darren Ferguson told the media.

Peterborough, above Barnsley and outside the relegation zone courtesy of a better goal difference than the Tykes, will secure Championship football for a third successive season if they match the South Yorkshire club's result at Huddersfield and Wolves' result at Brighton.